Gluten-free Sweet Potato Energy Balls

Energy around the holiday season can run low, while stress runs high. It is important to continue to fuel yourself for all the festivities and include some delicious fall flavors. These Sweet Potato Energy Balls are the perfect no bake snack to have while you are on the go, or just at home prepping for your guests. They are gluten-free, full or protein and have that warm flavor of sweet potato pie all in one little energy ball.

No bake sweet treats are some of my favorite to make, like these chocolate date balls and these chocolate covered strawberries. Not only are they great for fueling your body with healthy ingredients, but they take minimal effort, too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

No bake: This recipe is a snack or sweet treat that is completely no bake and only takes about 20 minutes to make. Bring all the fall flavors to your kitchen with a no mess, super simple recipe that everyone will love.

Perfect to feed a crowd: These Mini Sweet Potato Pie Bites are the perfect dessert for a crowd! They are so simple to make and your guests don't even need a plate to enjoy them... no extra dishes for you!

Ingredients You Will Need

Sweet Potato Pie Filling: Sweet Potato Pie Filling is sweet potatoes mixed with various warm ingredients. I used Farmers Market Organic mixture which has sugar and nutmeg mixed into sweet potato puree. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, potassium, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. This makes them great for digestion, immune support, eye health and so much more.

Almond Flour: Almond flour is a popular gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, made from finely ground almonds. It offers several nutritional benefits and is a versatile ingredient for various dietary preferences like gluten-free and low glycemic index.

Coconut Flour: Coconut flour is a gluten-free and grain-free flour alternative made from dried and ground coconut meat. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique nutritional benefits and versatility. It is high in fiber, low In carbs, and naturally a little bit sweeter.

Almond Butter: Almond butter is a nutritious and delicious spread made from almonds. It offers a variety of health benefits like healthy fats and a good source of protein. It is important to get one that is made with minimal ingredients, an unrefined oil, and no added sugar.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a popular spice known for its distinct flavor and aroma, and it also offers several potential health benefits. It is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, helps blood sugar regulation and much more!

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is a commonly used flavoring in baking. While it is primarily used to add a pleasant vanilla flavor to recipes, it is not typically consumed in large enough quantities to provide significant nutritional benefits.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a heart healthy fat that has tons of nutrition benefits. However, the type of coconut oil matters; virgin coconut oil, which is less processed, is generally preferred for its higher nutrient content and flavor.

Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate, with a high cocoa content and low sugar (or no) content, can offer several potential health benefits when consumed in moderation because it is a powerful antioxidant!

Instructions

Combine Sweet Potato Pie Filling, almond flour, coconut flour, almond butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon into a food processor. Mix on high until it is a smooth and is able to form a ball.

Scoop: Use a 1 inch scoop (or your hands) to form 20 energy balls, place them on a parchment lined sheet pan.

Freeze the sheet pan with the energy balls for about 10 minutes.

Make Chocolate Dip. In the meantime, add coconut oil and dark chocolate to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute then stir thoroughly. Microwave again for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat this until all the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Dip in chocolate coating. Remove the energy balls from the freezer and one at a time dip the top of the energy balls into the chocolate until about half coated (or more). Remove from the chocolate and place the non-chocolate coated side back on the sheet pan. Place the chocolate coated sweet potato energy balls into the refrigerator or freezer for at least 5 minutes or for storing! Remove when you are ready to enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Troubleshooting: Depending on the type of nut butter you use (some are creamier than others) you may need more flour. Slowly add 1 teaspoon of coconut flour at a time to get the right consistency of the mixture. It should be almond cookie dough consistency.

Keep them chilled: If you are serving these sweet potato pie bites at a party, be sure to keep chilled until right before serving.

Recipe Variations

Flours: You can use any gluten-free flour that you enjoy most, just adjust measurements accordingly.

Nut Butter: I used almond butter, but you can use and of your favorite nut butter out there. This is also amazing with cashew butter.

Chocolate: Chocolate is not a must in this recipe, but is a delicious bonus. If you want it to be less sweet, you can always leave this off.

Sweet Potato Pie Filling: I use Farmers Market sweet potato pie filling, which does have some added sugar. If you want to make this added sugar free, you can use their sweet potato puree or pumpkin puree and just add 5-10 dates, or 2 tablespoon maple syrup instead. If you do make this swap, be sure to add 2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg also. This would make this recipe completely paleo friendly.

Storage Tips

If you want softer bites, store these sweet potato energy balls in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you like more firm bites, store them in an air tight container in the freezer for up to a month. Just remove for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs About Sweet Potato Energy Balls

Is sweet potato pie better for you than pumpkin pie?

You can make either one in a "better for you" fashion. Pumpkin is naturally lower in sugar than sweet potatoes, if that is something you are concerned about. If you are looking for a healthier swap for the pies, these Sweet Potato Pie bites are perfect for you! You can interchange pumpkin, as well.